Episodes

With so many (different) cards in existence doe sit seem strange that there are just a few that capture the fancy of the public.  Sales of cards in the long tail are also an indication of health and strength of the hobby.  The velocity or probability of ...

Free labor is not always free!  What you would do without compensation (for your hobby) is frequently a task you would have to pay someone to do for you, so is that still free labor?  Your true costs and true profit should perhaps take into account your ...

Strategies for when to sell a card you just bought for a good price are like opinions - everyone has one.  But there are no hard and fast rules or "best" strategies for when to sell - it is your call and there are too  many factors to know exactly.

Memories and reminiscences of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with respect to sports cards - if you want to share yours, just contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com with your short story.  Thanks and Happy New Year!

Boxing Day is celebrated primarily in the UK and is not well understood in America.  Nevertheless some "boxing" stories are shared in the spirit of the season.

Christmas memories and reflections with respect to our hobby - if you would like to share yours, contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com with your story.

The normal thought is to buy the best condition or card you can afford - but at what cost - the "best" premium could be so outrageous as to be avoided as a bad deal - No one knows the future!

Quantity discounts vs. quantity premiums.  Bottom line: Honesty is the best policy.  Say what you mean and do what you say and your business reputation and sales should grow.

Listener Kevin O'Keefe suggests that more expanded stats on card backs would contribute to greater math understanding in students and in adults.  I wholeheartedly agree, subject to readability.  Kevin also teed it up with an audio file he sent me at doct...

Daryl McKay, co-founder of Sports Images, a well-known distributor in the Northeast, shares his origin story as a precocious entrepreneur, starting four decades ago.

James and I discuss his hobby journey as a collector including his amazing recent retail pull of a 1/1 Zion Williamson.  Any questions or experiences to be shared?  Contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and let us know.  Thanks!

Chris Ivy and I take turns swapping stories in this unedited conversation about finds over the years.

Dane Coene of Dynasty Breaks relates the types and styles of breaks that he most enjoys.  It is more than a matter of luck - skill is helpful too!

Rich and I discuss how he started and grew Sport Collectors Daily website and daily email - four stories about sports cards/collectibles a day for more than 13 years - now more than 14,000 stories!

What if PED's (performance enhancing drugs) were suddenly undetectable (and hence perhaps indirectly acceptable)?  How would that effect the game itself as well as players active as well as retired.

What would be the positive or negative implications of PSA 9.5 cards?

What if there were no redemption cards at all (due to legal, business, or other reasons) - would that be good or bad for our industry?

What if the recent damaging Dallas tornado had hit just two miles farther north or two miles farther south?

Rich Klein and I discuss the hypothetical scenarios whereby Panini, Topps, and Upper Deck do not exist  at all or at least in the form they are now.  Any listener ideas for other "What If" topics or episodes can be sent to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com if...

Sponsor Bill Huggins relates the distinctives of Huggins & Scott Auctions, including their famous "treasure chest" and "shoebox" auction lots.

Mike Fruitman discusses his passion for making local card shops and the hobby more kid friendly, through his successful Kids Club concept.

Rich Klein and I discuss memories (and the 50th anniversary) of 1969 Topps Baseball, its series, inserts, and oddities.

Rob Veres walks through some of the processes, procedures, and innovations he has employed to great advantage in the growth and success of Burbank Sportscards.

The case against sticker autographs ... and in defense of sticker autographs!